Sunday, 26 June, 2022 I 26 Dhul-Qadah, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 357 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Pakistan’s desire for Peace shouldn’t be construed as weakness: PM shehbaz
KARACHI
P
saleem Jadoon
rIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan believed in peaceful co-existence and wanted to promote friendly relations as it did not harbour any designs against anyone. Addressing the passing out parade of 117th Midshipman and 25th Short Service Commission course at Pakistan Naval Academy, the prime minister said Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be taken as weakness. He said the entire nation was proud of its armed forces for their continuous vigil to foil enemies’ designs and rendering huge sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He observed that Pakistan
navy had been effectively playing its part to the overall deterrence and national security with the available resources. Lauding the contribution of Pakistan Navy, the prime minister said that it had a legacy of valour and professionalism and expressed the confidence that the newly commissioned cadets would further strengthen that legacy. He underscored that the maritime domain was continuously shifting, mainly due to technological advancement and power re-shuffle globally. Only those navies would prevail and prove effective that would align with ever evolving geo-strategic spectrum and modern trends of warfare, he added. He said that the three Serv-
ices had proved their mettle against all threats at the borders. The whole nation paid tributes to all shuhada and their families, who had secured the country against all threats with their ultimate sacrifices, he said, adding the nation saluted them all. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah also attended the passing out parade. The prime minister said Pakistan was blessed with large coastline which held vast potentials which could be utilized by further strengthening of the defence capabilities and boosting of the maritime economy. “Pakistan’s economic future hinges upon success of CPEC,” he said, adding the Gwadar port was its major project. He underscored that Pakistan Navy had even more important role to play in the present age of ever growing blue economy, marine security and strategic defence. Congratulating the newly commissioned cadets and midshipmen, he said that it was an auspicious occasion in the lives of these young men to start their wonderful naval career with a sense of great achievement and pride. Extending felicitations, the prime minister advised the young officers to lead by their conduct, character, knowledge and foresight. The prime minister said that it
COAS Gen Bajwa, his spouse visit ailing Musharraf in Dubai
KARACHI staff report
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his wife have recently visited the ailing former president and army chief Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf in Dubai. According to media reports quoting sources close to the former military ruler’s family, “Gen Qamar and his wife were accompanied by top physicians of Pakistan Army.” “Gen Musharraf and his family greeted the COAS and his wife with great delight,” added the source, who was also present in the meeting. According to the sources, the visitors spent some time with Gen Musharraf and his family at their apartment while the army doctors examined the 78-yearold former military ruler, who was diagnosed with the life-threatening health condition, called Amyloidosis, in 2018 in the UAE.
Amyloidosis is a group of rare, serious conditions that is caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein, called amyloid, in organs and tissues throughout the body, says the UK’s National Health Service. If left untreated, these protein deposits can lead to organ failure. The family of Musharraf – who has been living in self-exile in Dubai since 2016 – has yet not made their mind to fly him back to Pakistan. Earlier this week, the family ruled out the possibility citing lack of proper treatment in Pakistan. “An uninterrupted supply and administration of experimental drug Daratumumab needed alongside associated treatment of Amyloidosis that are currently not available in Pakistan,” the family wrote on Musharraf’s Twitter handle on June 21. “It’s not easy to take a call on Musharraf’s return from Dubai where he is undergoing
treatment.” The family also revealed that they had been assured that the Pakistani government and the military establishment would facilitate the septuagenarian general’s smooth return. The development came on the heels of a Twitter statement from the family in which they said Musharraf’s “recovery is not possible”. “He has been hospitalised for the last three weeks due to a complication of his ailment (Amyloidosis). Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living,” the family wrote in a Twitter post. The developments triggered a media guessing game on the military’s possible reaction, which came through quickly. The chief military spokesperson said the “military brass believes Musharraf should be brought back to Pakistan”. “General Pervez Musharraf’s health is very bad. In such a situation, the leadership of the institution is of the view that he should be brought back to Pakistan. But this decision will be made by his family and doctors,” Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar said in a TV interview on June 14. “Musharraf’s family has been contacted for this purpose,” he added. “If the family gives its consent, then arrangements would be made to bring him back.”
was matter of great satisfaction for him that females cadets also formed the part of today’s parade, that signified their innate strength and confidence. They would serve as role model for the Pakistani girls and inspire them to pursue their dreams and acquire success in their chosen fields, he added. The prime minister said Pakistan was also extending quality cadet training to the brotherly countries including Bahrain, Palestine and Qatar. The prime minister also congratulated officers from friendly countries on being commissioned in Forces of their respec-
tive countries. He advised the young officers as future leaders to lead by their conduct, character, professional acumen and foresight. He urged the newly commissioned officers to put up their best to live up the glorious tradition of their services and pride of nation. The commissioning contingent comprised of 23 Midshipmen including 4 from Pakistan, 14 from Bahrain Defence Forces, 3 from State of Palestine, 2 from Qatar along with 19 officers from SSC Course. Earlier, the prime minister reviewed the guard of honour. Later, the prime minister gave
away awards to the distinction holders. The prestigious Quaid-iAzam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt Syed Irtaza Haider Naqvi for his Overall Best Performance. Midshipman Adnan M Ebrahim Jasim Bader (Bahrain) clinched the Academy’s Dirk. Officer Cadet Naufil Malik was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, while Commandant Gold Medal was awarded to Officer Cadet Sumayya Sajjad from Short Service Commission Course. The Proficiency Banner was awarded to Quarter Deck Squadron.
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